Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts knows what this season means to him financially.

The team’s fourth-round pick in 2011 is entering the final season of his original four-year, $2.6 million contract.

With a career season, Shorts could be looking at a major pay increase in 2015. There are more than 50 receivers in the league making more this season than Shorts’ entire rookie deal.

Shorts realizes the stakes.

“You’d be set for life,” Shorts said. “You’re going to think about it honestly, with it being a contract year. But you’ve got to focus on playing hard and getting better. Being a servant to my teammates and coaches.”

Shorts shined in his second season in 2012, catching 55 passes for 979 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, last season he received more attention from opposing defenses and his numbers dropped.

Shorts managed 66 catches for 777 yards and three scores, finishing with one 100-yard game compared with four the previous season. He was hampered by spotty quarterback play and the offensive line had difficulty pass protecting for much of the season.

Shorts is counting on the stability of coach Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch being back to help. It’s the first time Shorts has not gone through a coaching change as a member of the Jaguars and that comfort level has minimized his anxiety over his future financial situation.

“With this being my fourth year, this is the most relaxed I’ve been,” Shorts said. “Being under the same coaching staff for the first time, I’m very confident this will be a good year for the team and for myself. We trust in the process. We believe in the leadership. We understand each other already. We communicate better on and off the field, so it’s exciting.”

Shorts also understands the first step toward landing a lucrative deal. He has to stay healthy. Shorts has missed 11 games in three seasons combined, being inactive for at least two games each season.

Shorts had two hamstring injuries as a rookie that cost him six total games. In 2012, Shorts missed the final two games with a concussion. Shorts was unavailable for the final three games last season with a groin injury that required surgery.

“The biggest thing for me when it comes to [a new deal] is remaining healthy and being durable for a season,” Shorts said. “Being able to show my talents consistently throughout the year.”

Shorts still isn’t at full strength from the surgery, but expects to be soon.

“I’m on the right path where I’m able to run without any pain,” Shorts said. “I still have some work to do and I’m not 100 percent yet, but I’m looking to get there soon. Now, I have to get my strength back and confidence back.”

Bradley is encouraged by what he’s seen from Shorts as the team began its offseason program this week.

“His rehab has gone very well,” Bradley said. “He’s leaner and he’s in great shape.

“Cecil and I just had a conversation in the locker room about his mind-set. He’s always been really focused, so I don’t want to say that’s different this year. It just seems that it’s even more keener and even more directed. He really wants to do everything he can to be his best. It’s a good vibe from him.”

Shorts has seen the Jaguars reward players. Defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal prior to last season. After turning in a stellar first 15 games of last season, the Jaguars signed Marks to a four-year, $18 million contract with $4.8 million guaranteed prior to the regular-season finale.

The Jaguars will have perhaps as much salary-cap space as any team in the league entering next offseason. Shorts just has to prove his worth.

“I do believe that if you play to your potential and you fall in line with the culture of getting better and competing, they will reward you,” Shorts said. “It’s been proven with Sen’Derrick. He came in on a prove-it deal. He played his butt off, bought into the culture and he got paid. So, we’ll see what happens.”

@Buster
I guess DC was as dumb as the rest of the GM's in not signing TT. The guy is out of the league and you still think hes a winner. His own teammates called him terrible for Christ sake, yet you idol worshipers still think he is the savior of football. You say the fan base wanted TT? You mean the ten people that showed up for the great Tebow to Jax rally? Did you notice hardly any of them were wearing Jag gear, this is because they are TT fans and not Jag fans. The loyal Jag fans are still here and excited about the changes DC is making, and with a winning team the casual fans will come pouring back into the stadium.

@Diagnostically Progmosticating
Yes it is year 2 of the 3 year plan, and with 11 picks in the upcoming draft, Veteran cuts and camp cuts to fill the holes you mentioned Caldwell is getting it done. You are a minority when it comes to your opinion of our improved roster. Gerhart has not played a down yet and your calling him a bust? Really? Your opinion is moot really because everyone on this site knows your antipathy for DC and why. Just like Buster above you still hold a grudge for "Even if he's released." Its time to get over it already. Yon need to get on board, because despite your negative opinions and off the wall predictions this franchise is on the way up and the train is leaving without you.

POST SCRIPT
The Jags are getting positive feedback from the national media for the first time in forever. They are taking notice of the outstanding job Caldwell is doing. Last years draft was given an A and with several of the picks becoming starters the final grade will be high also. Our acquisitions in free agency were lauded as being excellent. I think I will go along with the professional sports writers and analysts opinions of our up and coming team, rather than listen to the childish rantings of a seemingly upset adolescent who didn't get what he wanted.

When DC showed up here and announced at his first press conference that Tim Tebow would, under no circumstances, ever be a Jaguar, most of us knew then that his knowledge of football and the fan base here in Jacksonville was dismal, at best. He either didn't know or just didn't care that Tebow had carried Denver on his back to the playoffs. Oh well. don't forget we will still have the Khantron even if we can't win any games.

@ MadKow Are we to interpret that as DC will not build a winner, therefore we won't complain? DC doesn't have the time it would take him to do it, say 5-7 years. in almost 2 years now, this roster is no better, and IMO worse. Even GB put BG #1 and Henne #2. On paper you'll find we lost on the MJD/Gerhart deal, and watch this year. IMO, we haven't replaced Smith or even Kampmon at this point, still need a CB, Center, OG, RB, #1 WR..... Naaa, DC isn't here to build a winner.

The Bigger issue you have now, with almost a complete roster purge, is to demonstrate the loyalty you have for a WR that, through all the adversity here, not only survived physically, but excelled. The conditions ( BG and Henne) aren't exactly good for a WR ( see robinson ), yet the opportunity to show the new players your intentions should they try, like Cecil and MJD did, to take care of them. that goes a long way toward Human Resource developement and would give you the best bang for your buck, too.
If you had a modest contract in front of Shorts, now, for say two years to three years, it could only pay you back in HR Developement with the larger part of the payroll. henne gets a two year, not great, but is he worth it? If he is then so is Cecil. A FA gets a 3 year deal and a lifer here, like Cecil gets.... Well, you reap what you sew, and the purge was necessary because of the "culture." It hasn't changed yet. Just new bodies have been inserted, and until the management does what it asks of the players... get it? this ain't no plantation fellas...